Placards at an Islamabad protest rally

The wisdom of crowds

Far more people turned up on Islamabad’s Constitution Avenue to protest against Gen Musharraf than ever before.

Protesters were also carrying banners and placards inscribed with various slogans. One placard read: â€œReduce the poorâ€™s burden, reduce army by 80 per centâ€. Another banner read: â€œIndia is a threat to Pakistan is a misconception. Poverty and unemployment are more serious threats to the countryâ€. â€œJudiciary is superior to army. Get lost military dictator,â€ read a banner carried by some lawyers. [Dawn, emphasis added]